A father’s desperate attempt to avoid paying over $100,000 in child support by faking his own death through hacking a state database has landed him in hot water. Jesse Kipf, 39, recently pleaded guilty to a count of computer fraud and a count of aggravated identity theft, leading to a sentence of 81 months in federal prison.
The elaborate scheme involved Kipf accessing the Hawaii Death Registry System using the username and password of a doctor in another state. He then proceeded to create a fake death certificate for himself, complete with a physician’s digital signature. This falsified death was entered into multiple government databases in an effort to evade his outstanding child support obligations, as revealed by the US Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Kentucky.
But Kipf’s deception didn’t end there. He went on to infiltrate various states’ death registries and other networks, including those of government agencies, corporations, and private businesses. Kipf even attempted to sell access to these compromised networks on the dark web. These additional criminal activities only added to the severity of his case.
According to court records, Kipf, who was born in Hawaii and divorced in California in 2008, owed over $116,000 in child support to his daughter and ex-wife. This staggering amount of unpaid support underscores the lengths to which he was willing to go to avoid his financial responsibilities. His actions were not only deceitful but also harmful to those who depended on him for support.
In light of his guilty plea and the evidence against him, Kipf was sentenced to 81 months in federal prison, with a requirement to serve 85% of his sentence and undergo three years of supervised probation upon release. Additionally, he has agreed to pay nearly $200,000 in unpaid child support and damages related to the compromised computer systems. This restitution serves as a small measure of justice for those affected by his fraudulent activities.
The severity of Kipf’s crimes has not gone unnoticed by law enforcement officials. Carlton Shier IV, the US Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, emphasized the destructive nature of Kipf’s scheme and the importance of cyber security in today’s digital age. This case serves as a warning to other would-be cyber criminals that their actions will not go unpunished.
Michael Stansbury, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Louisville Field Office, echoed this sentiment, stating that Kipf would now “pay the price” for his malicious actions. Despite the gravity of the situation, Kipf’s attorney, Tommy Miceli, expressed respect for the court’s decision, acknowledging the consequences of his client’s actions.
The repercussions of Kipf’s actions extend beyond the legal realm. His attempt to evade child support through fraudulent means has had far-reaching consequences for those involved. The emotional and financial toll on his ex-wife and daughter cannot be understated, highlighting the real-world impact of such deceitful behavior.
As this case unfolds, it serves as a sobering reminder of the potential harm that individuals with malicious intent can inflict through computer fraud and identity theft. It underscores the need for robust cyber security measures to protect individuals, businesses, and government agencies from such nefarious activities.
In conclusion, Jesse Kipf’s attempt to avoid paying child support by faking his own death through hacking a state database has resulted in serious legal consequences. His actions, driven by a desire to shirk his financial responsibilities, have led to a lengthy prison sentence and substantial restitution payments. This case serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of cyber crime and the importance of upholding the law in the face of such deceitful behavior.